In December 2016, he was featured on the hip hop single "iSpy" by Kyle.[14] He was featured in Tee Grizzley's single "From the D to the A", released in March 2017.[15]

On May 26, 2017, Lil Yachty released his debut studio album, Teenage Emotions. It features guest appearances from Migos, Diplo, Evander Griiim, Grace, Stefflon Don and YG, among others.[16][17] Three promotional singles were released to co-incide with the track. The album's first promotional single, "Harley", produced by K Swisha, was released on April 14, 2017.[18][19] The second promotional single, "Bring It Back", produced by Free School, was released on May 4, 2017.[20][21] The third promotional single, "X Men", produced by 30 Roc and Tillie and featuring a guest appearance from American rapper Evander Griiim, was released on May 18, 2017.[22][23] He featured in a remix of "With My Team" by Creek Boyz, released December 15, 2017.[24]

Lil Yachty announced on February 20, 2018, that his album Lil Boat 2 will be released on March 9, 2018.[25] It was confirmed earlier, on January 21, 2018, that Lil Yachty and Takeoff have collaborated on an album that is yet to be released.[26]

Rolling Stone described his music as "catchy, intentionally dinky-sounding tunes packed with off-color boasts delivered in a proudly amateurish singsong."[8]The Guardian called his music "fun, hook-first pop rap oblivious to songcraft and structure that doesn't take itself too seriously, with very little interest in legacy and even less in rap canon."[9]